Online Reading Links

As teachnology is on a constant rise, children are spending more and more time with it. I am taking courses in my Masters about incorporaring technology not just in the classroom but also at home. Here are some links that children and families can access on their computers. I have yet to try them on tablets or iPads but they definitely work on the computer.

Tumble Books

Tumble Books has an online collection of e-books for children and families (focus on elementary schools).

Clifford Interactive Storybooks

Children have choices in parts of Clifford stories making it interactive and fun for kids.

Little Critter

Little Critter stories online.

Storyline Online

Screen Actors Guild Foundation (SAG) is  an online streaming video program featuring SAG members reading children’s books aloud.

19 Storytelling Techniques

http://www.clker.com/cliparts/2/R/E/V/j/Q/reading-story-book-to-kids-md.png

I have been meaning to write a post about storytelling techniques for quite sometime. I have finally gotten a few minutes in my super busy schedule to come up with one! Here is a list of a few techniques I have used and some I haven't (but learned about them when I was doing my undergrad). Enjoy! Oh, and please post some other ideas that you know of or use in your classroom!

Felt Stories

Tell a story using felt! It allows for great visuals especially for books that may have patterns. An example of how I did a felt story can be found here: Silly Sally - Felt Storytelling Technique

Finger Puppets

http://www.csc.gov.sg/html/newsletter/aug2006/augpictures/FINGERPUPPET.jpg

Using finger puppets are so engaging! Use them while you are reading or tell a story without the book. Works wonders each way! A fun story that I always like to do is The Three Little Pigs. 

Puppet Show

http://blog.ljcfyi.com/ljcsProjects/craftiness/puppetShow1.jpg

Oh my! What a fantastic idea to create your own puppet theatre! Use one of those 3-panel presentation boards (they cost around 8 dollars from Staples)! Got this picture from Google images and has now inspired me to create my own puppet theatre!

Stick Puppets

http://www.thevirtualvine.com/images/nurseryrhymes/heydiddlediddle/stpup.jpg

Tell a story with stick puppets. Just as much fun as any other technique! Remember, any of these techniques work with poems and songs as well!

Cut a Story

http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/cut-shape-0908-de-38555813.jpg

As you read the story, cut out a shape that may represent the shape. For example, "The girl was waiting for a valentine to arrive"; You can cut the shape of a valentine as you tell the story.

Draw a Story

and

Create a Class Story

Okay, I LOVE using this technique. That is a story that I drew in my classroom this year on the whiteboard. It can also be done on chart paper and then posted in the room. I chose to do it on the whiteboard. My students actually came up with this whole story on their own. Each child was given the opportunity to create the story. We started in a circle. One student gave one sentence. And the next student gave the next sentence of the story. We came up with this class story. Then they went to the desks and drew a picture of what their creation of the story was. It also became a class storybook! 

Real Props

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3c/If_you_Give_a_Mouse_a_Cookie.jpg/200px-If_you_Give_a_Mouse_a_Cookie.jpg

This is one my most favourite stories! I have used this technique many times during my teaching experience. I used the book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff. I bought all the props (from the dollar store) needed from the story and put them in order of the story in the basket. As I read the story, I pulled out the item/prop and laid it in front of me. The kids love it and so do I!

Role Play

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2snatNJc81rsthpao1_400.jpg

Role play the story! You can add students as you go along. I did it with my students and they loved it! Caps for Sale is awesome to read! Grab a bunch of hats as props and you're good to go!!! Here we can build role playing and theatre skills!

Storybox Technique

http://www.margiepalatini.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/moosetache.jpg

Fun way to have a few props in the box. An easy carry-with-you-anywhere box with all the things you need for the story. Check out my post Moosetache to find out how I did mine!

Musical Instruments

http://www.kidstylefile.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/kidsgiftlist_musical-instruments.jpg

http://studio3music.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/mortimer.jpg

Simple! Use musical instruments while you tell your story. Mortimer is a great one to use. Check out my post to learn more about how I used Mortimer in my classroom. 

Clothesline

http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/harperchildrensImages/isbn/large/9/9780694010769.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYtAljoZzFP268vrL8f4PizjKIyNdlVMK2q6pIRBc-G2uBvhzvHConQAzZ1qsNaoT1a8LAKGyatacghWofiaaFxkpD3yl4jkJiCaXLiOoNbpbb8lJp8EnEk50OTYfqQSJX07Bk9EIGyWL/s1600/Mrs+McNosh+007.JPG

Get a strong clothesline. Buy some clothespins. Get pictures for the story (make from felt or photocopy the pages of the book and laminate them for forever-use). As you read the book, ask a child to put the corresponding item on the clothesline. This book is fantastic for it! 

Flashlight Fun

http://mindcemetery.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/kid-with-flashlight.jpg

Reading a story is SO much fun with the lights turned off and blinds shut. Make the room dark and turn on a flashlight!!! I love this technique. So much fun to do at any time of the day. Gives children a change and lets them know that reading can be done during the night as long as you have a flash light!!

Large Books

http://www.makeandtakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/big-books-008.jpg

Large books are great because the kids can see the pictures and words in a much bigger size! Awesome to listen to!

Other techniques can include: Singing chants during a story/song (We're going on a bear hunt), Physically participating (stamping feet, clapping hands), Use stuffed animals to tell a story, Word Cards/Pictures (when they hear a part of the story, they hold up their card/picture), and Hear and Respond (every time they hear a certain word, they must respond with an action/chant. Ex., "little frog" say ribbit ribbit or jump 3 times). 

Mortimer - Storytelling With Instruments

I love Robert Munsch as many other teachers do too. But the children love it even more with how I do the story 'Mortimer' in my classroom.

Very simple and very fun!

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdsQdsC3dLuH51Ui6PtQGb7AF82a5mlQ4ePghvTUT4xTzF5vtIrKRcct5la7TK2bNaNCAHNyV3_Fx30y2OFeDSHeWrSJAmJNLE7iYtFx0UtwG5scCqF7RBvBZpiIz9xMruZe1okXipmig/s1600/Mortimer+-+Robert+Munsch.jpg

All you need is the book: Mortimer by Robert Munsch and...

http://www.mytimeasmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Musical-Instruments-01.jpg

                                          Instruments!

Every time Mortimer sings "Clang, clang. Rattle, bing bang. Gonna make my noise all day", the children make noise with the instruments! I have done the story with the kids making loud noises with the instruments, medium-level noises, soft noises and even as-quiet-as-a-mouse noises. It's a ton of fun!! (Though, I do recommend you close the door during this circle time story!) 

Eid-ul-Fitr

Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6I8ezncQfCkeLMdluBKxPMZ8apUHxh7HWj8nHk89awWZMK_2kItzetEYrukub6V0_NV4SKAHMDnhEFyCxaNiQ4zxvudxzNfBWfb9TdZUjnbvkAIb5cPfhK0y0ykgm1w06ko1nZrrlf_I/s1600/Eid+2012.jpg

A few days ago, I did a post about Ramadan. I did not, however, talk about Eid-ul-Fitr (pronounced: Eed - ul - fit - er). If you have not yet read the post about Ramadan, please do so here before you read about Eid-ul-Fitr.

Source: http://moodyncheeky.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/eid-mubarak-glitter-greetings.gif%3Fw%3D490

About two weeks ago, muslims all over the world celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr after the completion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.  Here is a bit more information about Eid-ul-Fitr.

What is Eid?

Eid is a celebration that muslims take part in every year. There are two different times of the year when Eid is celebrated. One is called Eid-ul-Fitr and the other is called Eid-ul-Adha (pronounced Eed - ul - Ad - ha). Please click here for a post about Eid-ul-Adha.

What is Eid-ul-Fitr?

Source: http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/eid.jpg

Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated as the month of Ramadan ends. The term is in Arabic, in which the word Eid means "festivity" and Fitr means "breaking the fast"; hence, the definition being the festivity of breaking the fast. On this holiday, muslims are forbidden to fast and they celebrate it with many different traditions all over the world. The ending of Ramadan is marked by a brand new moon. Once the new moon is witnessed, Eid-ul-Fitr is declared. 

What is done on Eid-ul-Fitr?

Eid-ul-Fitr is done for one, two, or three days depending on the cultural rituals/traditions around the world. The day begins with greetings between everyone by saying "Eid Mubarak" meaning Happy Eid. It is encouraged to shower and be clean; if possible, to wear clean, new clothes (or the best that you have). An Eid prayer is held in a large area with many people to give thanks to God. After the prayer, people greet each other with hugs and wish them 'Eid Mubarak'. 

Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c5/Celebrating_Eid_in_Tajikistan_10-13-2007.jpg

A big feast is held for Eid. Different foods are made in all different parts of the world and cultures. 

A common tradition for women and girls is to apply Henna or Mehndi (pronounced Meh-n-dee) on hands and/or feet. Henna is a plant from which leaves are used to dye skin, hair, nails, and as well as leather and wool (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna). It is widely used as body art. Henna leaves are taken to create a paste which is used to create designs and beautiful art on the body. The above henna is actually done by me on my hand!!

Source: http://img3.photographersdirect.com/img/26650/wm/pd2276795.jpg

Children receive cards, gifts and/or money. In some countries, there are many Eid community gatherings held that include food, shopping, games, henna, music and other entertainment. 

Each country celebrates Eid in their own traditional way. This page on Wikipedia gives a little information about various countries in the world in which Eid is celebrated. Check out the link here.

Books about Eid-ul-Fitr

Source: http://i43.tower.com/images/mm113458980/eid-for-everyone-hina-islam-paperback-cover-art.jpg

An Eid for Everyone - by Hina Islam

Source: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ItgCSgmTL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

The Lost Ring: An Eid Story - by Fawzia Gilani-Williams

The following link is a DOC file that has many titles for children's literature about Eid-ul-Fitr. You are more than welcome to download it as I found it on the web myself. It is a bibliography of the titles: www.olc.org/diversity/eid_bibliography.doc

Here is a link to my post with Free Coloring Pages for Ramadan and Eid.

All About Ramadan

Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGRmTWN349bR5oYh9hDtUKLoHYdzpPY-ENaO80v9UvkVue1z6WIjPA2piLpwOpqwDvTZwMCwjosG5KYrP1sVRmVvLXGhzPmCL53ici0amhnKZjekmsvs0Ym97tdammhyphenhyphenHaezn7a5mzUW0/s1600/Ramadan+e-belgique+1.jpg

Muslims all over the world are currently taking part in their holy month, Ramadan (pronounced ra-ma-daan). I wanted to take this opportunity to share information about this month so that teachers everywhere can get a better idea and in turn, teach it to their students.

Source: http://www.wondercomments.com/comment/ramadan-012.jpg

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. During this month, muslims do not eat or drink anything from sunrise to sunset. This month does not only mean to keep away from food and drink but also from all sinful actions mentally and physically such as gossip, anger, lust, greed, violence, etc. Kindness is to be shown through strong manners, helping the needy and providing charity. It is a time to re-evaluate your own life, get rid of bad habits and become closer to Allah (term for God) as well as your family, friends and of course your soul. The month is either 29 or 30 days depending on the moon sighting. After the end of Ramadan, muslims take part in a celebration for their fasting. This special day is called Eid-ul-Fitr. Please click here to find out more about Eid-ul-Fitr. 

Source: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1050/1394291795_be1c863dfc.jpg

When is it celebrated?

As some may notice, Ramadan does not come on the same date every year. This is because the Islamic calendar is based on the moon, consisting of 12 lunar months. In total, the year is 354 or 355 days. This is why every year Ramadan begins 10 days earlier than it did the previous year comparing it to the Gregorian or Western calendar. 

Find out more on this website:

http://www.webexhibits.org/calendars/calendar-islamic.html

Source: http://www.islamicmedicine.org/medmiraclesofquran/ramadan44.jpg

Who takes part in fasting?

Muslims all over the world take part in fasting. It, of course, has limitations. Children are not required to fast until they have hit puberty; then it becomes a priority. Some children really want to participate in fasting and so their parents allow them to fast for half a day instead of the whole day. People who are sick or are on medication are not required to fast. Some seniors are excused from fasting as well if it is going to be affecting their health. Pregnant women are not required to fast. Women do not fast for the week of their menstrual cycle. If there are days that have been missed, they maybe made up by fasting on any day as long as it is before the next Ramadan. 

What are the benefits of fasting?

Many benefits are part of fasting. Because muslims are not eating anything from dawn to dusk, it helps them realize the importance of food. They feel the hunger so they can understand how unfortunate people all over the world feel when they do not have anything to eat. It is a time for realization and thankfulness. It also teaches lots of self-control as you refrain from sinful activities and such. It is a time to bond with family and friends and to build a stronger community. There are some medical benefits to it as well. For example, because you are not eating or drinking anything for most of the day, your body is being cleansed out of all bacteria. It helps to lower blood glucose and insulin levels. Some people are also able to lose unnecessary weight. 

Here is a link to more benefits:

http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=JU1008-4245

And check out this website for a ton of detail about the medical benefits of fasting:

http://www.quranandscience.com/legislative/185-medical-aspects-of-islamic-fasting.html

Books for children about Ramadan:

Source: http://jacketupload.macmillanusa.com/jackets/high_res/jpgs/9780805078947.jpg

My First Ramadan - by Karen Katz

Source: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-F18x7hiL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Ramadan: Islamic Holy Month - by Terri Dougherty

Source: http://0.tqn.com/d/islam/1/0/C/1/ghazi_ramadan.gif

Ramadan - by Suhaib Hamid Ghazi

Source: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51B0EN2VB0L._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Celebrating Ramadan - by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith

Source: http://goodtreemontessori.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/magidfastsforramadanbook.jpg?w=223&h=300

Magid Fasts for Ramadan - by Mary Matthews

Activity Websites:

Colouring pages:

Here is my post with free coloring pages: Free Coloring Pages
Also check out the following link for more coloring pages.

http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/ramadan/coloring.htm

Lots of different activities for children to do on all these sites. Some are in another languages. You can choose the ones that are right for your students:

http://www.islamnewsroom.com/news-we-need/1646

http://goodtreemontessori.wordpress.com/2008/08/22/30-childrens-activities-for-ramadan/

Paper lantern/lamp:

http://www.muslimkidscrafts.com/video/paper-crafts-decorative-paper-lamp

http://thelittlestarsofislam.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/craft-activities-for-children-age-5-and-above1.pdf

A very cute Ramadan craft. Flower pot with Ramadan Mubarak label. (Ramadan mubarak means Happy Ramadan):

http://amuslimchildisborn.blogspot.ca/2009/07/ramadan-craft-idea-2-ramadan-centre.html


If you have any questions about what I have posted, please feel free to ask anything. I will be more than happy to help. Thanks for reading!

Silly Sally - Felt Storytelling Technique

I can't believe how busy I have gotten in the past month. But I am back!!! A very happy summer to everyone and hope life is treating everyone with kindness, love and happy memories. 


I love books as do most teachers (I hope!). But what I love about books is the different amount of techniques it can be told in. Here is a felt story I created on my own with a bit of help using a website (I will post the link as well).

http://ak1.ostkcdn.com/images/products/muze/books/0152019901.jpg

Felt stories are one of the easiest ways to tell a story. It allows children to be focused if you are giving them opportunity to participate. I chose Silly Sally by Audrey Wood as it is one of my favourite books; it is fun, catchy (because it has rhyming words) and it can be used where children can participate while the story is being read. This allows children to look forward to the story and what is coming up next. 

I bought red felt because it is bright and attracts children to keep their focus. You can choose to put the felt with magnets on a magnetic board or pin it up on a cork board. 

http://www.audreywood.com/books-written-by-audrey-wood/silly-sally/silly-sally-activities

I took printables from the above website and colored them in according to the characters from the story. I also photocopied some parts from the storybook in color so more children could participate throughout circle time. Then I laminated them so I can use them for a long time.

I bought pre-stick velcro from the dollar store and cut it into small pieces. Then I stuck them on the back of the pictures.

You can read the story at school on your choice of boards or you can do a small group story even on the floor. Don't forget to use this technique at home as well. It's a lot of fun!


I am also excited to share another blog, The Educator's Spin On It that has a post full of activities inspired by Audrey, Don and Bruce Wood. This blog has a post on a Virtual Book Club. Check it out, you'll love it!

List of Books - Preschoolers and Kindergarteners

Source: http://www.epikardia.com/images/kindergarten%20girl%20reading.jpg

The list of books for infants and toddlers have been done. It is time for a very short list for preschoolers and kindergarteners! These books are the most favourite books for this age group of all time.

Be sure to check out the other lists:
List of Books - Infants
List of Books - Toddlers

and the post Tips for Reading Aloud

Abiyoyo - by Pete Seeger

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day - by Judith Viorst

Bedtime for Frances - by Russell Hoban

Blueberries for Sal - Robert McCloskey

Bread and Jam for Frances - by Russell Hoban

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? - by Bill Martin, Jr.

Can I Keep Him? - by Steven Kellogg

The Cat in the Hat - by Dr. Seuss

Changes, Changes - by Pat Hutchins

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom - by Bill Martin, Jr.

Chicken Little - by Steven Kellogg

Corduroy - by Don Freeman

The Doorbell Rang - by Pat Hutchins

The First Snowfall - by Anne and Harlow Rockwell

Flossie and the Fox - by Patricia McKissack

Flying - by Donald Crews

Frog on His Own - by Mercer Mayer

Goldilocks and the Three Bears - by Jan Brett

Green Eggs and Ham - by Dr. Seuss

Hello Kangaroo - by Nan Bodsworth

Henny Penny - by Paul Galdone (illustrator)

I Don't Want to go to School - by Christine Harris

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - by Laura Numeroff

If You Give a Pig a Pancake - by Laura Numeroff

Imogene's Antlers - by David Small

Island of the Skog - by Steven Kellogg

It's Pumpkin Time - by Zoe Hall

Jamberry - by Bruce Degen

The Judge - by Margot and Harve Zemach

Just like you and Me - by David Miller

Koala Lou - by Mem Fox

Leo the Late Bloomer - by Robert Kraus

A Letter to Amy - by Ezra Jack Keats

Look Book - by Tana Hoban

Make Way for Ducklings - by Robert McCloskey

The Mitten - by Jan Brett

Mouse Paint - by E.S. Walsh

The Napping House - by Audrey and Dan Wood

Over in the Meadow - by Ezra Jack Keats

Owl Moon - by Jane Yolen

Pancakes for Breakfast - by Tomie DePaola

Picasso the Green Tree Frog - by Amanda Graham

Rosie's Walk - by Pat Hutchins

Silly Sally - by Audrey Wood

The Snowy Day - by Ezra Jack Keats

Swimmy - by Leo Lionni

Titch - by Pat Hutchins

Tough Boris - by Mem Fox

The Very Busy Caterpillar - by Eric Carle

Wacky Wednesday - by Theo Le Sieg

Whistle for Willie - by Ezra Jack Keats

Zoom - by Istvan Banyai

Please remember this is a VERY short list of books. There are ton of others depending on the interest of your student(s) and child(ren).

Tips for Reading Aloud

I have mentioned in a previous blog that reading aloud to children should begin when the baby is still in the womb. "An infant's hearing is wired well enough by the fifth month in utero to hear sounds outside the womb" (as written by Pam Schiller in 'Creating Readers'). Here are some tips for reading aloud to children.

Source: http://www.soulemama.com/.a/6a00d8341c4ea853ef01156fb9db90970b-500wi

1. Find a comfortable setting. Reading "nooks" or "corners" are sort of a haven for children. It is a place where they can relax and read at their own time, based on their own interests.

Source: http://i00.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/221690262/children_book_color_educational_book.jpg

   2. Make sure children can see the pictures. Pictures are worth a thousand words. Children are able to create their own story line based on what they see in the pictures. It is one of the most important parts in learning how to read.

Source: http://www.mhl.org/kids/fun/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/bird.jpg

   3. Choose books that are appropriate for the age level of the child. Children should not be given that are too low for them because they will get bored or too high for them because they will lose their interest. 

Source: http://www.kidsbooks.ca/i/481D_3.jpg

4. Read books on diverse topics and things of interest to children. When given the opportunity to learn about diversity, children are the best audience to accept diversity as well. 

Source: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/4994338886_9072242c4d.jpg

5. Build background knowledge. Let children examine the cover of the book. Give them a chance to predict what the story might be about. During reading, ask them to predict what will happen next. Ask questions about vocabulary that is new and difficult. Prediction is a big part of critical thinking.

Source: http://www.torontoobserver.ca/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/25-01-08-McKay-Munsch3.jpg

6. Use good expressions as you read, just like Robert Munsch is in the above picture! Change your tone, rhythm, level of your voice to fit the situation in the story. Be soft, quiet or excited/surprised. 

Source: http://creativecurio.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/ross-book.jpg

7. Re-read favourite books! If the children want to hear the same story everyday, let them. Repetition is one of the best ways for children to become comfortable with listening, predicting and reading.

* One last thing: If the child is not interested, don't continue reading. You don't have to finish reading a book that no one wants to hear*

List of Books - Toddlers

I have posted before a reading list for infants. Now it's time for toddlers. Here it is as found in the book 'Creating Readers' by Pam Schiller:


Animal Crackers - by Jane Dyer
The Animal Orchestra - by Scott Gustafson
Barnyard Banter - by Denise Fleming
The Best Mouse Cookie - by Laura Numeroff
Big - by Keith Haring
Can You Guess? - by Margaret Miller
Dots, Spots, Speckles, and Stripes - by Tana Hoban
The Earth is Good - by Michael Demunn
Exactly the Opposite - by Tana Hoban
Eyes, Nose, Fingers and Toes - by Judy Hindley
Five Little Monkeys Sitting on a Tree - by Eileen Christelow
Flower Garden - by Eve Bunting
Frozen Noses - by Jan Carr
Good Day, Good Night - by Marilyn Singer
Growing Vegetable Soup - by Lois Ehlert
Have You Seen Bugs? - by Joanne Oppenheim
Hello Toes! Hello Feet! - by Ann Whitford Paul
Hey, Little Baby! - by Nola Buck
Horatio's Bed - by Camillea Ashforth
In the Small, Small Pond - by Denise Fleming
Inside, Outside, Upside, Down - by Stan and Jan Berenstein
Is It Red? Is It Yellow? Is It Blue? - by Tana Hoban
I Went Walking - by Sue Williams
Let's Go Visiting - by Sue Williams
Little Red Hen and the Ear of Wheat - by Mary Finch
Lunch - by Denise Fleming
Mrs Wishy-Washy - by Joy Cowley
My Five Senses - by Margaret Miller
Nature Spy - by Shelly Rotner
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish - by Dr Seuss
Planting a Rainbow - by Lois Ehlert
Shapes, Shapes, Shapes - by Tana Hoban
Snowy, Flowy, Blowy - by Nancy Tafuri
Teddy Bears' Picnic - by Jimmy Kennedy
These Hands - by Hope Lynn Price
Time for Bed - by Mem Fox
Toddlerobics - by Zita Newcome
Up the Ladder, Down the Slide - by Betsy Everitt
Wake Up, Little Children - by Jim Aylesworth
What Makes Me Happy? - by Catherine and Laurence Anholt
When the Teddy Bears Came - by Martin Waddell
Where Does It Go? - by Margaret Miller
While You Were Sleeping - by John Butler
Who Hops? - by Katy Davis
Who Took the Farmer's Hat? - by Joan Nodset
Who Uses This? - by Margaret Miller

Making Your Own Tactile Books!

A lot of parents and teachers talk about how expensive books are these days. I can agree to some extent but I also think a great book is worth paying the extra few bucks. On the other hand, who doesn't like to save money!?

My good friend Nothy has shared two very helpful links if you would like to make your own tactile books for infants and toddlers. If you are an artsy person and love to sew, these links are for you. If you would like to pursue a new love for sewing, then this is for you too. Please check out Nothy's blog Aft Agley where she shares so much information, knowledge and ideas about sewing! It is worth your while.

Here are the links for creating your own books:

Making Tactile Books

Baby Book Sewing Patterns